Ontario Hockey League notebook

NEWS RELEASES

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE

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Spirit tap Kisil as assistant coach

(Saginaw, MI) The Saginaw Spirit are pleased to welcome John Kisil as the newest addition to the Saginaw Spirit family. The former Compuware Ambassadors coach will be reunited with head coach Todd Watson as an Assistant Coach in Saginaw for the 2007-2008 season.

"I'm proud to be with the Saginaw Spirit," stated Kisil. "The ownership, both Dick (Garber) and Craig (Goslin), are awesome. They've taken care of me pretty well here."

"John is a very hard worker. He loves the game," stated head coach Todd Watson. "He is the most positive person I know. He is a tireless motivator who is a key addition to our staff. The players will respect and admire him."

“John Kisil is an enthusiastic young coach with a great work ethic,” stated Spirit General Manager Don Edwards, “Further, he is a consummate professional who will support the system implemented by Spirit Head Coach Todd Watson.”

Kisil spent the last four years as head coach with the Honeybaked AAA Hockey Club. His coaching resume consists of a total of ten years in youth hockey. Much of his time was spent with the Detroit Compuware program, two years serving as an assistant under Watson with the Compuware Ambassadors of the North American Hockey League.

"After being groomed by the Compuware program, we are proud to welcome John Kisil to the Saginaw Spirit coaching staff," said Managing Partner and President Craig Goslin. "He comes to us with references at all levels of the game of hockey and all agree that his knowledge of the game and passion for teaching is extraordinary. John and Spirit head coach Todd Watson have great chemistry when working together and create a dynamic duo to lead the development of the Spirit players, both on and off the ice."

"I'm excited to be back with Todd," said Kisil. "We know what each other do." The two share a similar coaching philosophy and approach to the game of hockey. Kisil lists clinching a Junior A National Championship together with Watson and the Ambassadors as a highlight in his career.

Many players from the 2002 Compuware team went on to receive scholarships or pursue professional careers. Chris Conner (Dallas Stars) and Andy Greene (New Jersey Devils) are two standout examples.

Kisil is excited for the opportunity to work with the Spirit organization and witness similar development in the players he coaches. "I like helping out where I can and being positive," said Kisil. "Anything I can do to work on individual skill with players and help them out."

Beyond experience behind the bench, Kisil has spent time with the LaFontaine Hockey Schools and as a private hockey instructor. He has already offered his time instructing Saginaw Spirit Hockey Schools in the area. John Kisil's knowledge and passion for the game makes him a welcomed addition to the Spirit roster.

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Whalers name Joe Stefan assistant coach

PLYMOUTH, MI – Plymouth Whalers President, General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci announced the hiring of Joe Stefan as the team’s new assistant coach. Stefan – the brother of former Whalers’ assistant coach Greg Stefan – worked for the Whalers as a scout for two seasons before moving behind the bench.

“I’ve known Joe for a long time and am very comfortable with his coaching style,” Vellucci said. “He’s done a good job for us in scouting and pre-scouting around the league. We’re excited to have Joe in Plymouth.”

After playing in the Ontario Hockey League from 1983-86, Stefan played in the International Hockey League from 1987-91 before moving to England, where he played from 1991-2002 in the British National League. Stefan was also General Manager and Head Coach of the Slough Jets of the British National League from 1998-02.

“I’ve been waiting for a chance like this since coming back from Europe,” Stefan said. “I’m very happy to be on board. I’m going to bring an upbeat attitude to the bench and the dressing room. The players will be prepared to play.”

In a related move, Vellucci named Adam Mattson Plymouth’s Director of Operations and Video Coach. Mattson started two years ago as an intern and became Video Coach last season.

The Whalers start training camp on Wednesday with off-ice testing. Plymouth hits the ice in scrimmages on Thursday, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. The scrimmages are open and free to the public.

Plymouth gets the pre-season started on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Windsor at Compuware Arena.

Plymouth’s home opener is Saturday, September 22 at 7:05 p.m. against the Erie Otters at Compuware Arena. The Whalers will raise their OHL championship banner before the start of the game.

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